Easy Recipes from Brazil

Tag: comfort food recipe

  • Fluffy and Crispy Banana Fritters

    Fluffy and Crispy Banana Fritters

    Do you have ripe bananas at home and don’t know what to do with them? These banana fritters are the perfect solution for breakfast or an afternoon snack—simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. The recipe uses very ripe bananas, which naturally sweeten the dough and reduce the need for added sugar.

    Besides being easy to make, these fritters turn out crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with no egg smell, thanks to a simple preparation technique. It’s the kind of homemade treat that fills the house with a delicious aroma and pleases the whole family, using ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
    • 2 eggs
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
      • Substitution: brown sugar or demerara sugar
    • 50 ml milk
      • Substitution: water or plant-based milk
    • 1 cup + 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (approximately)
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • Oil for frying
    • Sugar and cinnamon for coating (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Mash the bananas well and set aside.
    2. In a bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until foamy. This helps prevent any egg smell in the final result.
    3. Add the sugar and mix well.
    4. Pour in the milk and stir again.
    5. Gradually add the flour, sifting it in, until you get a smooth, thick batter.
      • If the batter is too thick, add a little milk or water.
      • If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.
    6. Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
    7. Add the baking powder and mix lightly.
    8. Heat the oil over medium heat (do not let it get too hot).
    9. Using half a tablespoon, drop small portions of batter into the oil.
    10. Fry until golden brown, turning them if needed.
    11. Remove and drain on paper towels.
    12. Roll in sugar and cinnamon, if desired.

    Chef’s Tips / Variations

    • Use very ripe bananas for more flavor and less added sugar.
    • Make smaller fritters to ensure they cook through evenly.
    • Serve plain or with dulce de leche or melted chocolate.
    • For a lighter option, reduce the sugar or skip the coating.

    Prep Time, Yield, and Difficulty

    • Total time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 20 to 25 fritters
    • Difficulty: Easy

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Can I make banana fritters without milk?
    Yes. You can replace the milk with water or plant-based milk without affecting the texture.

    How do I keep the fritters from being raw inside?
    Use medium heat and make smaller fritters. Oil that’s too hot will brown the outside too quickly.

    Can I bake them instead of frying?
    This recipe is designed for frying. Baking will significantly change the texture and make them less fluffy.

    Conclusion

    These banana fritters prove that simple recipes can be incredibly delicious. If you try them, leave a comment sharing your experience, save the recipe for later, or share it with someone who loves homemade snacks.

  • Easy Creamy Chicken Fricassée – Simple and Delicious Homemade Recipe

    Easy Creamy Chicken Fricassée – Simple and Delicious Homemade Recipe

    Introduction

    Creamy chicken fricassée is a classic comfort dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps or expensive ingredients to cook something truly delicious. Perfect for beginners and busy home cooks, this recipe transforms leftover chicken into a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that works just as well for everyday lunches as it does for family dinners.

    Ingredients

    • 400 g (14 oz) cooked, shredded chicken
    • 200 to 250 ml (¾ to 1 cup) chicken cooking broth
      • Substitution: water if broth is unavailable
    • 2 cans corn
    • 3 tomatoes, chopped
    • ½ onion, chopped
    • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
    • ½ small carton heavy cream
    • 1 container creamy cheese spread (requeijão-style or cream cheese)
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • Green onions or fresh herbs, to taste
    • Olive oil, for sautéing
    • Shredded or sliced cheese, for topping
    • Shoestring potatoes, to taste

    How to Make Creamy Chicken Fricassée

    1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
    2. Sauté the chopped onion until lightly golden.
    3. Add the garlic and sauté briefly, stirring to avoid burning.
    4. Add the chopped tomatoes, season lightly with salt, and cook until they break down into a sauce.
    5. In a blender, blend the corn with the chicken broth until creamy. Adjust the texture to your preference.
    6. Add the shredded chicken to the pan and mix well with the tomato base.
    7. Pour in the blended corn cream, heavy cream, and creamy cheese spread.
    8. Season with salt and black pepper. Lower the heat and stir until the mixture becomes very creamy.
    9. Finish with green onions or fresh herbs and turn off the heat.
    10. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with cheese and shoestring potatoes.
    11. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the top is lightly golden.

    Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Fricassée

    • Use chicken cooking broth whenever possible for deeper flavor.
    • Blend the corn fully for a smooth cream or pulse lightly for more texture.
    • Avoid high heat after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
    • For a thicker fricassée, let the cream cook a few extra minutes on the stove.
    • For a meatless version, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or hearts of palm.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve with fluffy white rice for a classic and comforting meal.
    • Pair with a simple green salad to balance the creaminess.
    • Ideal for weekday lunches, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

    Storage and Reheating

    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to restore creaminess.
    • Freeze without the shoestring potatoes for up to 2 months. Add them fresh when serving.

    Conclusion

    This easy creamy chicken fricassée is proof that simple cooking can still deliver incredible flavor. With everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it at home, save it for later, and share it with anyone who enjoys practical, comforting homemade food.